Illini in the NFL Website

Each week the Illini in the NFL update provides coverage on how former Fighting Illini football players fared during the previous week. 

Jeff Allen, OL, Kansas City Chiefs (@JeffAllen71) – After missing the first two games due to injury and playing as a reserve for the next four, Allen got his first start of the season at right tackle and helped the Chiefs roll up 377 total yards in a 23-13 win over the Steelers in Week 7. 

#Chiefs' Jeff Allen appreciative of opportunity to return to starting lineup: https://t.co/zY4nhFL2sY

— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) October 26, 2015

Alan Ball, CB, Chicago Bears – Ball and the Bears had their bye week in Week 7 and will return to action this Sunday against the Vikings at Soldier Field.  

Jeff Cumberland, TE, New York Jets (@Cumberland85) – Cumberland returned from injury and started at tight end in the Jets loss to the Patriots, making one catch for 16 yards. 

Vontae Davis, CB, Indianapolis Colts (@VontaeDavis) – Had a big game for the Colts' Week 7 loss to the Saints, intercepting a Drew Brees pass in the end zone, making six tackles and defending two passes. 

.@vontaedavis made one of the best endzone grabs you'll see in Week 7. @vontaedavis plays defense. FYI. #NOvsIND https://t.co/6Dcs5hCTuP

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2015

Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, New Orleans Saints – Hoomanawanui caught five passes for 31 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown, the second of his career, in the Saints' 27-21 win over the Colts on Sunday.

Michael Hoomanawanui 16 yard TD pass from Drew Brees. #WhoDat #NOvsIND pic.twitter.com/z3nsGqQy3U

— NFL (@NFLIive) October 25, 2015

Corey Liuget, DE, San Diego Chargers (@CoreyLiuget) – Started at DE in the Chargers' 37-29 loss to Oakland, making six solo tackles. On the season, Liuget has 28 tackles and 2.0 sacks. 

Whitney Mercilus, DE, Houston Texans (@Merci380) – Mercilus made two stops in the Texan's 44-26 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday. He has 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 1 pass defense on the season. 

Akeem Spence, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@AkeemSpence) – Spence was activated to the Buccaneers active roster for Week 7 after spending the first six weeks on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a back injury suffered prior to training camp. He played in the Buccaneers 31-30 loss to the Redskins, but did not record any stats. 

Justin Staples, LB, Tennessee Titans (@J_Staples57) – Staples take his first tackle of the season in the Titans' 10-7 loss to the Falcons. He was added to Tennessee's active roster the previous week.  

Hugh Thornton, OL, Indianapolis Colts (@HughThornton72) – Thornton made his fifth straight start at guard and helped the Colts pile up 375 yards of total offense in a 27-21 loss to the Saints on Sunday.

Steve Weatherford, P, New York Jets (@Weatherford5) – Longtime NFL veteran Weatherford was picked up by the Jets last week and punted four times for a 40.3 yard average and also held for extra points in the Jets' 30-23 loss to the Patriots in Week 7. On Tuesday, he was cut by the Jets with Ryan Quigly returning next week. 

Punter Steve Weatherford cut by Jets, makes $51,000 for one day https://t.co/TTLn136Zff

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 28, 2015

Tavon Wilson, FS, New England Patriots (@TavonWilson27) – Saw action in the Patriots' 30-23 win over the Jets but did not record any statistics. 

Former Illini on Injured Reserve

Jon Asamoah, OL, Atlanta Falcons – After starting 15 games for the Falcons last season, Asamoah will miss entire 2015 season with a hip injury.

Arrelious Benn, Wr, Jacksonville Jaguars (@ArreliousBenn) – Benn suffered a broken collarbone during the preseason and will miss the entire 2015 season. It is the third straight season Benn will miss due to injury.